Life Goes On After Tragedy

Dear Friends,

In the words of the Prophet Isaiah ìYou Lord give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you.î These words stuck in my mind as our parish experienced tragedy at our Family Festival in September. Andrew Fohlin will be etched in the memory of our people for having lost his life. Andrew will also be remembered for having generated remarkable and powerful actions on the part of countless persons. From the first moment of that memorable day hundreds were enjoying the beauty of a September Sunday. They shared friendships, ate barbecued chicken or watched the young have their faces painted with gay colors. When shouts of distress were heard, everything changed for us here at St. Maryís.

ìFrom the tragic, so often good comesî goes the old adage. These words came alive as ìgood Samaritansî appeared from everywhere. Trauma nurses from UMass, doctors with degrees and countless good people called to be Christian to those in need appeared everywhere. I cannot describe with adequate words the goodness that prevailed all around. Police, firemen, EMTís did their work as prayers were voiced and Godís soothing words recalled. Crisis teams formed as the news went forth and thus, appeared the TV media. Since that moment procedures have been advanced to prevent such events from happening again. Letters, cards and gifts have not ceased to arrive for us as well as for the families of those injured. People have not ceased to thank God for their blessings and to set their priorities in order. The words of God ìto put their trust in youî have been fulfilled. Andrew Fohlin has done in death what many of us could not do in life.

Days and weeks have passed and our life goes on. The Parish Council has reviewed the ideas of our Strategic Plan in the areas of Worship, Education, Outreach and Facilities. Many recommendations from the Parish Survey have already been implemented and many more in progress. Parish Council elected members will be responsible for overseeing this implementation in the months ahead. Our biggest challenge remains our facilities. It seems after many years that we are experiencing a lot of ìdÈjý vu.î The recommendation to seek other options for development of our parish facilities brought us back to Calvary Retreat Center on South Street. Several years ago we had dialogue with the Passionists to see whether a combined ministry was possible. At that time it received a negative response. After a renewed dialogue last month with the Provincial of the Passionists and in the presence of Bishop McManus, there was openness to new discussions. A small committee will meet with members of the Passionist community to continue the discussion. In the meantime, the addition to our present facilities will be on hold.

St. Maryís continues to be a model parish. In the midst of chaotic times, our numbers continue to grow. Check the bulletin each month as new families are registered. Check the numbers of baptisms each month, as children are welcomed. Our Masses gather good numbers and stewardship of time, talent and treasure is vibrant. We beg forgiveness of our faults and ask Godís grace for our future. Come join us in worshipÖEucharist is the center of our life. Jesus asks us to ìput our trust in Him.î

FATHER PAUL